Signs of Depression In Dogs

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

Depression in dogs can come in many forms, depending on the cause. Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of persistent sadness and worthlessness and is the same for dogs as humans. Unfortunately, depression in dogs is a serious problem that can have a real impact on the life of your pup.

Depression in your dog may come in the form of his normal routine being altered or changed, resulting in mood and behavioral changes. Major life changes are usually the culprit for dogs suffering from depression.

Symptoms and Signs Your Dog is Depressed

Depression in your dog may be obvious if he is displaying any of the following issues:

Withdrawal from Social Interaction: Dogs are social animals, so if they start avoiding people or other animals, it could be a sign of depression. A once affectionate and playful dog might retreat to a quiet corner or spend more time alone. They may no longer greet their owners at the door or show enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed.

Loss of Interest in Play and Usual Activities: A telltale sign of canine depression is a noticeable decline in their interest in play, walks, and other activities they once found exciting. If your dog suddenly stops fetching their favorite toy or seems uninterested in going for walks, it might be more than just a passing mood.

Sudden Aggression or Fearfulness: Depressed dogs can sometimes exhibit uncharacteristic aggression or fearfulness. They might become more irritable, snapping or growling at people or other animals without clear provocation. On the other hand, they might also become more anxious, showing signs of fear in situations that previously didn’t bother them.

Change in Appetite: If your dog is extremely sad, he may lose interest in food and show signs of weight loss. However, some dogs may use food as a kind of comfort when they are depressed and might eat more, leading to weight gain.

Sleeping All the Time: Dogs do sleep a lot, but usually when and if you are not around. If you leave your dog for extended periods while at work, yet he continues to sleep when you get home or hardly reacts to your presence, something is most likely wrong. If you have ruled out physical issues and he is still sleeping a lot, then you may want to have him evaluated.

Peeing Indoors: If you aren’t taking your pup outside or on regular walks, then you will find yourself dealing with accidents around the house. However, if your dog suddenly starts using the entire house as his bathroom, you may be dealing with a case of depression.

Flattening of the Ears: Signs of sadness often show up in ears that are tucked down close to the sides of your dog’s head. Your dog may flatten his ears when you leave the house but if you notice this often, he may be depressed.

Paw Licking: Excessive licking or chewing of the paws may be a result of physiological or psychological issues. If your dog is depressed, he may lick or chew his paws to soothe himself.

Avoidance and Hiding: These types of behaviors can mean one of two things: illness or injury. Depression will fall under the category of illness and should be considered if injury is ruled out. If your dog is suddenly hiding or wants to be left alone, it could mean something is bothering him emotionally.

Causes of  Depression in Dogs

Dogs can experience depression due to various factors, including changes in their environment, loss of a companion, chronic illness or pain, lack of mental stimulation or physical activity, and past traumatic experiences.

Changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or rearranging furniture, can cause insecurity and anxiety in dogs, leading to depressive symptoms.

Loss of a close companion can deeply affect a dog, leading to feelings of withdrawal, decreased activity, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Chronic illnesses or persistent pain can diminish a dog’s quality of life, leading to sadness and lethargy.

Lack of mental stimulation or physical activity can lead to boredom and depression, especially in dogs left alone for extended periods without stimulation or social interaction.

Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment, can leave lasting emotional scars on a dog, leading to anxiety and depression and affecting their behavior and well-being.

Rescue dogs may show signs of depression if they have experienced a difficult past.

Diagnosing and Treating Your Dog’s Depression

Canine depression is a complex condition that can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, behavioral assessment, and differential diagnosis. Veterinarians typically perform a thorough physical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions, including blood tests and urine analysis. They also conduct a behavioral assessment to identify changes in the dog’s behavior, environment, and routine, looking for patterns in symptoms such as decreased activity, changes in appetite, and withdrawal from social interactions. Owners play a crucial role in providing detailed observations of their dog’s behavior.

Differential diagnosis considers other possible causes of the symptoms, such as anxiety disorders, chronic pain, or hormonal imbalances, to more accurately diagnose depression. Once depression is diagnosed, a multi-faceted treatment approach is often recommended, including behavioral therapy, environmental enrichment, routine and stability, medication, lifestyle changes, professional support from veterinary behaviorists, and support groups for pet owners.

Behavioral therapy involves providing mental and physical stimulation through activities like puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive play, as well as maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and social interaction. Antidepressant medications may be prescribed under the guidance of a veterinarian, but they should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Combining these approaches can lead to significant improvements in a dog’s mental health, but it is important to be patient and consistent, as recovery can take time. Always consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s treatment plan.